In vitro Evaluation of PHYTOSANEB-020, A Biopesticide for the Control of Mealybug (Planococcus ficus) on Rosa multiflora and Bougainvillea spectabilis in Kimwenza-Mission

Abstract

This study focused on the in vitro evaluation of the effectiveness of Phytosaneb-020, a bio-pesticide on Mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) which infests Rosa multiflora (Rosa polyantha) and Bougainvillea spectabilis. Three treatments were used: Phytosaneb-020, Pacha a chemical insecticide and aqueous solution (distilled water) as a negative control. A volume of 1.5 mL for an area of ​​56.72 cm2 corresponding to the area of ​​a Petri dish, used for each treatment. Populations of Maconellicoccus hirsutus were carefully collected from bougainvillea leaves and roses.  Pacha gave the highest mortality percentage for direct toxicity by contact (98.3± 2.89%) followed by Saneb-020 (93.3 ± 7.64%). The negative control, distilled water, was not effective against the insects. No death was observed (0%). The repellency effect assay revealed a repellent activity of 80% ± 20 for Saneb-20. Distilled water gave the best avoidance effect (86.7±11.6%) pointing out the fact that Mealybug Planococcus ficus doesn’t support the presence of water. Pasha exhibited low repellency effect on Mealybug Planococcus ficus (46.7±41.6%). Further investigations on different pests are strongly suggested and encouraged to improve the effectiveness of this biopesticide.